ANTALYA, October 27,
2005 â€“ Antalya, one of the most beautiful
provinces of southern Turkey on the Mediterranean coast, is the
best location in the world to witness the magnificent four minute total
solar eclipse on March 29, 2006 because of its position on the path of
totality and Turkey is rolling out the welcome mat for spectators. A
total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes in front of the sun,
completely blocking its light. The total eclipse is only visible along
the path of â€śtotalityâ€ť: a long narrow strip that covers less than one
percent of the earthâ€™s surface with its shadow and most often passes
over sea or uninhabited land. Only places within this narrow band, such
as Antalya, will experience the eclipse in
perfect totality. Moreover Antalyaboasts optimal
weather for viewing with its temperate climate.

Observatories in Turkeyare
already preparing. One of the best places to view the event is the
Tubitak National Observatory (TUG). The TUG is located less than an
hour west of Antalya and offers visitors a spectacular view of the
eclipse as well as the option to stay overnight in a guest house or
neighboring lodgings. The coincidence of the location of the National
Observatory within the totality path offers once-in-a-lifetime viewing
opportunity. More information about TUG can be found at
www.tug.tubitak.gov.tr. Numerous tour
groups have also solidified schedules and are offering stunning sights
of the eclipse.

Pacha Tours and Navigatour Travel Agency have designated a number
of tours for visitors who wish to experience the total eclipse in
conjunction with the culture and heritage of Turkey. Pacha
Tours
offers six different options traveling throughout Antalya and nearby Cappadocia spanning 10 to 17 days. For a shorter visit,
Navigatour Travel Agency offers four tours that last from six to ten
days. Costa cruise line also boasts a variety of cruises that will
traverse the path of the eclipse. Costa offers guest lectures onboard
providing both basic and advanced solar eclipse information to
passengers and maintains that the maneuverability of the ship away from
clouds on eclipse day will assure a spectacular viewing experience.
Information about the Navigatour Travel Agency can be found at
www.navigatour.com and information
about the Costa cruises can be found at
www.costacruise.com.

Turkey, the
site of two wonders of the ancient world, is a present-day marvel â€“ the
cradle of civilization, the very center of world history and a
modern Westward-looking republic. It is a country of fascinating
contrasts, where antiquity is juxtaposed with the contemporary, the
familiar with the exotic; where sun-swept beaches beckon less than an
hour away from snow-capped mountains, and everywhere visitors are
treated to the extraordinary warmth of the Turkish people.

For information about travel to Turkey, call 1-877-FOR-TURKEY
or contact the Turkish Culture and Tourism Offices in New York at
212-687-2194
or in Washington D.C. at 202-612-6800 or in Los Angeles at 323-937-8066
and visit www.tourismturkey.org
or www.turizm.gov.tr